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April 24, 2006

Switching to Wind Power for Earth Day

PrAna’s Natural Power Initiative Replaces Traditional Energy at Rock/Creek Locations
10 April 2006

Chattanooga, TN- In honor of Earth Day this year, Rock/Creek Outfitters (RockCreek.com) has partnered with the prAna Natural Power Initiative and is proud to announce that all the power used by Rock/Creek’s retail operations now comes from green-e certified wind power. As the PNPI literature states, “Wind generated power is a clean, renewable source of energy which produces no greenhouse gas emissions or waste products. prAna is an ancient sanskrit word which is often defined as pure energy, vitality of the spirit and most notably breath.” It naturally follows that wind energy would be perfect for such a company, and its retail partners. “Rock/Creek Outfitters is excited to participate in this important program,” said Dawson Wheeler, owner and President of Rock/Creek.

In order to facilitate the switch from traditional power, prAna has committed to purchasing 6 million kilowatt hours of US EPA approved Renewable Energy Certificates or “Green Tags.” Because generating electrical power from wind sources still costs more than the more harmful but cheaper traditional methods, these Green Tags provide a much-needed financial incentive for energy producers. Currently only about 2% of the energy produced in this country comes from renewable sources, so efforts such as the PNPI are important to fuel further program development and foster public awareness of alternative energy sources.

Rock/Creek Outfitters has posted signs at its brick and mortar locations that say “100% of this store’s energy use is offset by certified green-e wind generated power,” and we are spreading this message on our Web sites, www.rockcreek.com and www.climbinggear.com as well. Clark Luckmann, Internet Customer Service Manager, echoed the reaction of many Rock/Creek staff members in saying, “It’s important to me that as a company we reduce our ecological footprint, and this is a great step in that direction.”

For our complete environmental statement, please visit www.rockcreek.com/customer_service/environmental.asp. To learn more about prAna’s initiative, visit www.prana.com/naturalpower.

About Rock/Creek Outfitters:

Rock/Creek Outfitters is a specialty outdoor retailer with two decades of brick and mortar experience. We are committed to personal and professional leadership in the outdoor industry and the larger community, especially with regard to environmental initiatives. We use outdoor retail as a platform to encourage all people to get outside and become active. We know that in order to make a positive impact on the environment, we need to share our own love of the outdoors with others. For this reason, our sponsorship and environmental efforts are aimed at permanently improving access to the backcountry.

As a critical element of our environmental mission, we sponsor various charitable foundations (The Southeastern Climbers Coalition, The Access Fund, the Cumberland Trail Conference) and host two major outdoor events each year (the StumpJump 50K trail race and the Triple Crown Bouldering Competition). In the last year, we built a parking and camping area at the Tennessee Wall, one of the best sandstone climbing areas in the nation. We also rebuilt a bridge at the Lula Lake Land Trust to restore access to a trail system running along Rock Creek on Lookout Mountain. We remain committed to the Land Trust’s mission to preserve and restore the Rock Creek watershed on Lookout Mountain.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:57 AM | TrackBack

April 5, 2006

Ski Mountaineer Legend Doug Coombs Dies in La Grave Accident

It saddens us here at Rock/Creek and ClimbingGear.com to report that the legendary ski mountaineer Doug Coombs has passed away in a tragic accident while skiing in La Grave. Doug visited us for a slideshow back in November and he was a pleasure to have around. He will be missed.

Doug is survived by his wife Emily and young son David, and the Doug Coombs Memorial Fund will help provide for them during this time of mourning and in their future.

Pistehors.com has more details.

(Photo c. Marmot/ Ace Kvale)

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:22 PM | TrackBack

April 3, 2006

Come and Celebrate the 6th Annual High Octane Climbing Competition!

Tennessee Bouldering Authority is inviting the public to join them in their newly renovated climbing gym on April 15, 2006 for a killer climbing competition

Chattanooga, TN - The Tennessee Bouldering Authority (TBA), in cooperation with The North Face and Rock/Creek Outfitters (ClimbingGear.com), is proud to announce the 6th Annual High Octane Competition. On April 15th, 2006 at 11:00 am, TBA is inviting the public to join them in their newly renovated gym located at 3804 St. Elmo Ave, Suite 10. Three Divisions of Competitions will be held, including Unleaded, Super-Unleaded, and High Octane. Prizes for the winners of each division will include LaSportiva and Five Ten climbing shoes. The cost to compete is $25.00, and there is a spectator fee of $10.00.

These entry fees include a free entrée from Mojo Borrito as well as access to the 6th Anniversary Dub and Groove After-Party. There will also be plenty of door prizes and swag from the broad spectrum of sponsors. In addition, Michelle Smith will be sharing a slide show presentation that covers her two week road trip sponsored by Red Chili and Wild Country. The road trip included eight people in one RV. They began in Salt Lake City went to California and ended the trip back in Utah. Smith has conquered numerous V8's and V9's as well as bold trad leads, and high scores including several 1st place finishes in comps.

Following the days events, the gym will be transformed into a studio for the 6th Anniversary Dub and Groove After-Party. According to TBA’s Luis Rodriguez, this year is going to be, ‘especially festive.’ The entry fee for the celebration is included in the High Octane Competition entry fee or there is a $5.00 entry fee at the door. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Mafioso (hip hop), DJ ArchBishop (Progressive House), and DJ HeavyWeight (Dub & Reggae). There will be cocktails available in exchange for small donations.

For more information, please contact Luis Rodriguez at 423-822-6800.

About Tennessee Bouldering Authority
Bouldering is the essence of rock climbing, allowing the mind and body to learn the basic tenets of moving over stone. TBA is a training facility specifically built to develop climbing strength and challenge the mind. All the tools are available to take you from a novice to an expert level in a comforting, appealing environment. TBA is an indoor bouldering gym unlike any other.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:52 AM | TrackBack